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Dual Enrollment - College Courses for High School Students
FAQs (frequently asked questions) for students and parents
Who may enroll in Dual Enrollment courses, and is there a minimum age to participate in the program?
Dual Enrollment students are admitted according to the provisions in the current Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment. Generally, any high school students may enroll in a class if (1) they obtain their principal's permission and (2) their college placement scores and high school grades indicate they have satisfied academic prerequisites. Individuals below the age of 14 or below high school freshman level may apply to the college for special consideration for admittance which requires an interview with the parent and the student.
What is the cost of dual enrollment classes?
The new Dual Enrollment agreement between the school districts and MECC allows students to enroll in approved dual enrollment courses and pay only 20% of the normal rate for tuition and fees. Some school districts pay 10% of the portion that the student normally pays which leaves only10% of the cost of tuition and fees for the student.
View the low cost of dual enrollment classes
Is financial aid available for dual enrollment students?
Federal financial aid regulations prohibit a student from receiving federal financial assistance while still enrolled in secondary school. However, because of special agreements between the College and the secondary school divisions, the student generally pays no more than 20% of the tuition cost for a dual enrollment course. Usually, this is a greater savings of the tuition cost than the student would normally have received from regular financial aid programs.
Does MECC participate in the Wise County "Math and Science Initiative"?
Yes. The Wise County Board of Supervisors have funded a "Math and Science Initiative" to encourage and support those students who wish to enhance their knowledge of math and science by enrolling in college-level courses on the MECC campus. Funds are available to cover the full cost of tuition/fees and books.
View the list of courses for the Math and Science Initiative
Are students required to take the MECC placement test in order to enroll in dual enrollment courses?
Dual Enrollment students must take the placement test before the MECC can enroll them in courses unless they have scored at least 21 in English, reading and math on the ACT test or at least a 500 on the SAT test in reading, writing and math. Students receiving these scores are not required to take the placement test.
When do students take the placement test in order to enroll in dual enrollment courses?
MECC gives the placement test at the high schools during the spring semester. The high school counselors will know the date when it will be offered. Students who do not take the placement test at their high school may take the placement test at Mountain Empire Community College during regular Testing Center Hours. Prospective Dual enrollment students who need to take the test at MECC should contact Mr. Bill Buckles, Testing Coordinator at 523-2400, ext. 283 or bbuckles@me.vccs.edu before coming to the college to take the test.
How do we know which courses are approved for dual credit?
The high school guidance office can help the student select the courses approved by the individual school district for dual enrollment.
View the complete list of courses by areas of study at Mountain Empire Community College
Are there prerequisite courses which must be taken by students before enrolling in Mountain Empire dual enrollment courses?
Dual Enrollment courses have the same prerequisites as their non-Dual Enrollment counterparts. Specific course prerequisites are stated for individual courses in the MECC catalog, accessible online or in print. Questions about Transfer course prerequisites can be answered by calling 523-7460 and speaking with an advisor in the Division of Arts and Sciences; 523-7462 for Business Technology courses; 523-7456 for Health Science courses or 523-7465 for Industrial Technology courses. Courses also have placement score requisites.
What is the enrollment process for Dual Enrollment courses which transfer to colleges and universities?
For the student, the process begins at the high school by talking with the counselor to determine which dual enrollment courses are offered at the high school or on the MECC campus.
Step-by-step enrollment process
How do students get their grade report at the end of the semester?
Shortly after the exam period each semester the final grade for the course is posted to the College's Student Information System – MECC OnLine. To view or print a copy of the grades, students login to MECC Online using their user id and password. Paper grade reports are not mailed to the home address.
How do students get a grade transcript sent to the high school or another college?
To request that an official grade transcript be mailed to your high school or another college, the student may login to MECC OnLine and request the transcript or submit the request in writing to the Registrar's Office in Godwin Hall. The request should include the name and address of the specific office where the transcript should be mailed as well as the student's name and either social security number or student user id. Written requests must be signed by the student. Transcripts are generally mailed within three days after the request is received.
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